Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 7:11
Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
11. Ask thee a sign ] The “sign” ( ’th, mphth, here the former), plays a very large part in O.T. religion and with considerable latitude of meaning. The most important cases are those in which a divine revelation is attested by some striking event within the range of immediate perception through the senses. Such a sign may be a supernatural occurrence conveying an irresistible persuasion of the divine agency (ch. Isa 38:7; Isa 38:22; Exo 7:8 ff.; Jdg 6:17; Jdg 6:36 ff.; 1Ki 13:1 ff.). But it may also be an ordinary event, which acquires significance through its having been foretold, or asked for ( Gen 24:14 ; 1Sa 10:2 ff; 1Sa 14:10; Luk 2:12). Thus of two predicted events the nearer may be made a “sign” of the more remote (1Sa 2:34; Jer 44:29 f.). Or, in a still more general sense, the “sign” may be merely an incident of the fulfilled prediction, which carries the mind back to the time of the prophecy, when the sign was appointed (Exo 3:12; Isa 37:30). That for which a sign is here offered to Ahaz is the certainty of divine help, or (what is the same thing) the truth that God speaks to him through the prophet. Although Isaiah was undoubtedly prepared to give a miraculous sign (see next clause) it is not to be at once assumed that the sign actually given ( Isa 7:14 ff.) must be of the same order.
ask it either in the depth above ] Lit.: going deep to Sheol or mounting high above (reading sh’l h for sh’ lh). It is thought by some that this translation could be obtained from the actual Hebrew vocalisation, but this is doubtful. It is at all events the one that would be most readily suggested by an unpointed text, and it is justified by the antithetic structure of the sentence. The whole realm of creation, from the heavens to the underworld, is as it were put at the disposal of Ahaz for the purpose of this sign. It has been said that Isaiah played a dangerous game in staking his reputation on so unbounded a choice. Undoubtedly he did, if he was not speaking under genuine divine inspiration.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Ask thee – Ask for thyself; ask a sign that shall be convincing to thyself, since thou dost not fully credit the words of the prophet. It is evident that the words of the prophet had made no impression on the mind of Ahaz. God, therefore, proposes to him to ask any proof or demonstration which he might select; anything that would be an indication of divine power that should put what the prophet had said beyond doubt. Had Ahaz put confidence in God, he would have believed what the prophet said without miraculous proof. But he had no such confidence. The prophet, therefore, proposes that he should ask any miraculous demonstration that what he said would come to pass. This proposition was made, probably, not so much from respect to Ahaz as to leave him without excuse, and in order that the people might have the assurance that the city and kingdom were safe.
A sign – A demonstration that shall confirm the promise now made, and that shall be an evidence that Jerusalem shall be safe. The word used here, and translated sign – owt – ‘oth – means a flag, or a standard, Num 2:2; a memorial or pledge of a covenant, Gen 17:11; any pledge, token, or proof of a divine mission, Jdg 6:17; or a miracle performed in attestation of a divine promise or message. This is its sense here. That which Isaiah had spoken seemed highly improbable to Ahaz, and he asked him to seek a proof of it, if he doubted, by any prodigy or miracle. It was customary for miracles or prodigies to be exhibited on similar occasions; see Isa 38:7, where the shadow on the dial of this same Ahaz was carried backward ten degrees, in proof of what the prophet Isaiah had spoken; compare 1Sa 2:27-34; 1Ki 13:1-3; Exo 3:12; Jdg 6:36-40. That the word here refers to some event which could be brought about only by divine power, is evident from the whole connection. No mere natural occurrence could have satisfied Ahaz, or convey to the people a demonstration of the truth of what the prophet was saying. And if the prophet had been unable or unwilling to give a miraculous sign, where is the fitness of the answer of Ahaz? How could he be regarded as in any way tempting God by asking it, unless it was something which God only could do? And how could the prophet bring the charge Isa 7:13, that he had not merely offended men, but God also? It is clear, therefore, that Isaiah was conscious that he was invested by God with the power of working a miracle, and that he proposed to perform any miracle which Ahaz should suggest that would serve to remove his doubts, and lead him to put confidence in God.
Ask it either in the depth … – He gave him his choice of a miracle – any sign or wonder in heaven, or on earth – above or below; a miracle in the sky, or from beneath the earth. Many of the versions understand the expression the depth, as referring to the grave, or to the region of departed souls – hades. So the Vulgate, Aquila, Symmachus. The Chaldee reads it, Seek that there may be a miracle to thee upon the earth, or a sign in the heavens. The literal meaning of the Hebrew is, make low, ask for; that is, ask for a sign below; obtain, by asking for thyself; a miracle that shall take place below. It may refer to the earth, or to the region under the earth, since it stands in contrast with that which is above. If it refers to the region under the earth, it means that Isaiah would raise the dead to life if Ahaz desired it; if to the earth, that any wonder or miracle that should take place in the elements – as a tempest, or earthquake – should be performed.
The height above – The heaven, or the sky. So the Pharisees desired to see a sign from heaven, Mat 16:1.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Isa 7:11
Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God
Gods grace towards the wayward
Jehovah does not scorn to call Himself the God of this son of David who so hardens himself.
(F. Delitzsch, D. D.)
A critical moment
In this hour when Isaiah stands before Ahaz, the fate of the Jewish people is decided for more than two thousand years. (F. Delitzsch, D. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 11. In the depth – “Go deep to the grave”] So Aquila, Symmachus, Theodotion, and the Vulgate.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Ask thee a sign of the Lord; I perceive thou dost not believe Gods word and message now delivered by me; yet God is so patient and merciful to thee, that he gives thee liberty to demand of him any signal or miraculous work, whereby thou mayst be assured of the truth and certainty of this promise.
Thy God; both by right of dominion, and by virtue of his gracious covenant made with all Israel, of whom thou art a member and king; and by thy own profession, for he still worshipped God together with his idols; and by the continuance of his care and kindness to thee and to thy people, notwithstanding all your wickedness; whereof this promise and offer is a clear demonstration.
Ask it either in the depth, or in the height above; demand some prodigy to be wrought, either in earth or in heaven, at thy pleasure.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
11. Ask theesince thou dostnot credit the prophet’s words.
signa miraculous tokento assure thee that God will fulfil His promise of saving Jerusalem(Isa 37:30; Isa 38:7;Isa 38:8). “Signs,”facts then present or near at hand as pledges for the more distantfuture, are frequent in Isaiah.
ask . . . in . . .depthliterally, “Make deep . . . ask it,” that is,Go to the depth of the earth or of Hades [Vulgate andLOWTH], or, Mount high forit (literally, “Make high”). So in Mt16:1. Signs in heaven are contrasted with the signs onearth and below it (raising the dead) which Jesus Christ had wrought(compare Rom 10:6; Rom 10:7).He offers Ahaz the widest limits within which to make his choice.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God,…. For though Ahaz was a wicked man, yet the Lord was his God, as he was the God of the people of Israel in general, as a nation; and knowing his unbelief and diffidence of his word unto him, offers to confirm it by a sign or miracle:
ask it either in the depth, or in the height above, in earth, or in heaven: so the Targum,
“ask that a miracle may be done for thee upon earth, or that a sign may be shown thee in heaven;”
either that the earth might gape and open its mouth, as in the days of Moses; or that the sun might stand still, as in the times of Joshua; or that a dead man might be raised out of the depth of the earth; or that there might be some strange appearances in the heavens.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
11. Either in the deep. I understand it simply to mean Either above or below. He allows him an unrestricted choice of a miracle, to demand either what belongs to earth or what belongs to heaven. But perhaps in the word deep there is something still more emphatic; as if he had said, “It belongs to you to choose. God will immediately show that his dominion is higher than this world, and that it likewise extends to all depths, so that at his pleasure he can raise the dead from their graves.” It was undoubtedly astonishing forbearance towards this wicked king and people of God, that not only did he patiently bear their distrust for a time, but so graciously condescended to them that he was willing to give them any pledge of his power which they chose. Yet he had in his eye not unbelievers only, but he intended likewise to provide for the benefit of the weak, in whom there was a seed of godliness; that they might be fully convinced that Isaiah did not speak at random, for he could easily give a proof of the power of God in confirmation of what he had said.
The same goodness of God is now also displayed towards men, to whom he exercises such forbearance, when he might justly have been offended at them; for how shockingly do they insult God, when they doubt his truth? What do you leave to God, if you take that from him? And whatever may be our doubts, not only does he pardon us, but even aids our distrust, and not only by his word, but by adding miracles; and he exhibits them not only to believers, but also to the ungodly, which we may behold in this king. And if he was at that time so kind to strangers, what ought not his own people to expect from him?
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
11. Ask The extraordinary option here offered to Ahaz indicates the nature of his scepticism. Any thing within the proper limits of a “sign” he may demand. And here a “sign” is nothing less than a miracle; an immediate supernatural performance, showing that divine power sustained the predictions uttered, and would sustain a firm faith in Jehovah against the most powerful nations.
Depth height In the sky above or on the earth, or even under the earth below. It is evidently a visible and immediate phenomenon that is offered.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Isa 7:11 Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
Ver. 11. Ask the sign of the Lord. ] Not of any other God, to whom thou art addicted.
Thy God.
Ask it either in the depth.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
sign. Hebrew. ‘oth, a present visible token or pledge, as in Gen 1:14. Ex. Isa 4:4; Isa 4:9; Isa 12:13; and especially Isa 8:18. This word is used eight times in the “former” portion (here; Isa 7:14; Isa 8:18; Isa 19:20; Isa 20:3; Isa 37:30; Isa 38:7, Isa 38:22); and three times in the “latter” portion (Isa 44:25; Isa 55:13; Isa 66:19). See App-79and compare Hezekiah’s sign (Isa 38:7).
God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.
either. Ahaz was not limited, and therefore without excuse.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
a sign: Isa 37:30, Isa 38:7, Isa 38:8, Isa 38:22, Jdg 6:36-40, 2Ki 20:8-11, Jer 19:1, Jer 19:10, Jer 51:63, Jer 51:64, Mat 12:38-40, Mat 16:1-4
ask it either in the depth: or, make thy petition deep
Reciprocal: Gen 15:8 – General Gen 24:14 – thereby Exo 7:9 – Show Jdg 6:17 – show 1Sa 14:10 – this shall be a sign 1Ki 13:3 – General 2Ki 19:29 – a sign Pro 25:3 – heaven Joh 6:30 – What
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
7:11 Ask thee {i} a sign from the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
(i) For the confirmation of this thing that your enemies will be destroyed and you preserved.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
God commanded the king to ask Yahweh his God for a sign that He would indeed do what He had promised. Signs were immediate, physical confirmations that what a prophet had predicted further in the future would indeed happen. They either confirmed that God had caused something to happen (cf. Exo 3:12), or they confirmed that He would cause something to happen, as here (cf. Isa 37:30; Jer 44:29-30). [Note: Ibid.] Ahaz had the freedom to request any type of sign, and God promised to use it to bolster his faith (cf. Gideon).